Pint-sized Pour: Longfin Lager

F.Y.B.: Beer snobs — including yours truly — sneer when referring to “fizzy yellow beers.” Ballast Point’s take on the German Helles style is a classy rebuttal, a bubbly brew the color of summer hay that is terrifically refreshing.

Summertime: Longfin offers aromas of fresh-cut grass, while the tiny bubbles carry flavors of lightly-toasted bread sprinkled with savory herbs. This lager is made year-round, but its light body and dry finish are best suited for warm days and light, fresh fare. Check the calendar — looks like Longfin season.

Canny move: Last year, Ballast Point began canning Pale Ale, Sculpin and Longfin. That’s one more factor making this a pleasing summer choice: cans are lighter and safer than bottles if you’re hauling beer to a picnic or barbecue.